Rafael Medina-Maldonado

Rafael Medina-Maldonado, 84, of Columbia, entered into rest Friday, May 27, 2016 at his home. Born June 25, 1931 in Utuado, Puerto Rico, he was a son of the late Pablo Medina and Ricarda (Maldonado) Medina. A veteran of the US Army, Rafael retired after 20 years of dedicated service with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Rafael actively served during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Following his military career, he entered into civil service where he worked for another 20 years in the Central Issue Facility. He was a founding member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, as well as an active member of the Hispanic congregation and welcoming committee. In addition to his parents, Rafael was preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Ana Lydia (Rios) Medina, one sister and seven brothers. He is survived by two children, Idel Rafael "Ralph" Medina (Ivette) of Columbia, and Edith "Evie" Sanchez (Mariano) of Gaithersburg, MD; grandchildren, Inette Medina (Michael) Eby of Henderson, NV, Anthony (Lisa) Medina, of Olympia, WA, Jeanette Medina (Christopher) Ball, of Lansing, MI, Miguel Sanchez, of San Antonio, TX and Victoria Sanchez (Jeremy) Hensley of Morgantown, WV; great grandchildren, Makayla, Deliz and Alyece Medina, and Anthony and Olivia Eby; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223, with Father Javier Heredia officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 30, 2016 at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia SC 29209. Rosary will be held at 5:30 p.m. prior to the visitation.